When natural disasters strike, Lions are among the first to offer help. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) empowers Lions' service efforts through grant funding. So, when devastating tornadoes ripped through dozens of communities in Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana, LCIF quickly responded and awarded US$120,000 in disaster relief grant funding.
There is nothing like actually seeing the devastation that has hit this community.
LCIF immediately awarded a US$20,000 grant to the Lions in Kentucky, where some of the most catastrophic damage and the majority of deaths occurred during the storms on December 10 and 11, 2021. The additional US$100,000 grant funding will provide relief to the multiple-affected states, where at least 30 out-of-season tornadoes touched down throughout the night and early morning hours.
In late January 2022, International President Douglas X. Alexander visited some of the hardest hit communities in Kentucky, where he joined fellow Lions from both the tornado-damaged towns and across the country to provide much-needed relief to the storms’ victims.
International President Douglas Alexander stands with Council Chairperson Judge Kevin Bishop among the rubble at the Mayfield Courthouse
“We’ve all seen pictures of it, but there is nothing like actually seeing the devastation that has hit this community,” said IP Alexander. “The devastation that these tornadoes caused is heartbreaking, and those affected by this disaster will need support in rebuilding for many days, weeks and months ahead. But, from one day to the next, you can see the difference of the cleanup that has taken place here, which speaks to the people who have come out to help this community get through this very difficult time.”
Among those helping are Lions from across the US who have sent financial donations, as well as trucks filled with generators and emergency supplies. During IP Alexander’s visit, a truckload of donations arrived with Lions from Pennsylvania who unloaded the truck alongside the international president.
International President Douglas Alexander unloads boxes of emergency supplies from Pennsylvania
“I was not surprised to see so many Lions join in helping these people in need. It’s what we do,” said IP Alexander. “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion. And we do it willingly, not looking for anything in return. It’s about service; giving our service from the heart.”
With a disaster grant from LCIF, Lions can do even more for communities devastated by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires and other major events. LCIF is proud to offer a variety of grant options to support various stages of disaster relief operations.
Andrea Small is senior marketing and public relations specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
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